Antiques shop strives for rustic appeal

BERLIN — Sally Barker, who started Counting Sheep Antiques as a hobby in her 1867 farmhouse, recently renovated the barn that has been home to the business since 2012.

The antique store, at 79 Central St., has been growing by keeping it classic, just like the pieces that are sold from the rustic shop, while simultaneously using a modern-day social-media presence to get ahead of the pack.

Mrs. Barker moved to Berlin with her family in 1998, moving into the farmhouse. Counting Sheep Antiques opened as a part-time shop in 1999, in a small building on the property, just in front of the massive old barn. The store got its name from the animals the family had on the property, including goats, sheep and even peacocks.

"We had every kind of animal you could imagine," said Mrs. Barker. "It was crazy."

While they would later give away the animals, the name and the rustic appeal of the farmhouse would remain. When Mrs. Barker moved the antiques store into the much larger 3,500-square-foot barn, the decision was made to make the business full-time. Previously, Mrs. Barker worked as a landscape manager, but she decided that Counting Sheep Antiques was more than a hobby, and her husband helped reassure her that she was on the right track.

"I always had my eye on opening my own shop," said Mrs. Barker. "But, I really have to thank my husband, Bob; he really went above and beyond to make it happen."

The renovations to the barn were completed March 1.

Counting Sheep Antiques is a multidealer shop, housing five vendors from towns around the state, including Sudbury, Bolton and Needham. The vendors pay a flat-rate fee and 4 percent of sales to cover credit card costs.

The owner chooses her vendors carefully. They must fill out an application and provide photos of their wares. They also must have a Facebook page, which she says is a huge part of the business, providing an online presence. She uses social media sites, such as Facebook and Pinterest, to promote the store, its products and its vendors.

"This business is very visual," said Mrs. Barker. "We've posted photos online and had people turn around and by the item right away; it's really cool."

The store has a wide variety of items, from furniture and ceramics to paintings and silverware, as well as lanterns, birdcages and typewriters. All of it is intended to have a classic appeal.

The interior of the barn and the visual appeal of the store is nearly as important as the wares showcased within — the rustic floor boards and classic carpets below and attractive lantern lighting above. A friendly old golden retriever named Chase spends his time around the shop as well, looking to get his head scratched.

"I feel like the location and the atmosphere is important to us," said Mrs. Barker. "People love the feel of coming in here into the barn."

A huge factor that helps sets Counting Sheep Antiques apart from other antiques shops is its sale of Chalk Paint from Annie Sloan. The paint company, based in England, offers wax paint that can be used on nearly anything but is particularly good with classic furniture, and is well-suited for a rustic patina. The Berlin shop was the first to carry it in New England. Mrs. Barker began selling the paint in 2012, and the shop is still the only place in Central Massachusetts to carry the product. She even offers a paint bar, where visitors can try the paint for free.

"I've always been a crafter," said Mrs. Barker. "And I really wanted to create an inspiring atmosphere. It's really fun, it's just amazing. You get the paint out and everyone is just so happy."

Counting Sheep Antiques offers workshops and crafting guides and will host a Cabinet of Curiosities antique market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m June 6 to 8; the market will include an extended range of vendors and new pieces.